As International Energy Week 2024 approaches, Energy Association Nick Weiss, CEO of CEng FEI, says this year will be a huge test for the public support and political will needed to accelerate the energy transition. Stated.
2024 will be a record year for democracy, with 4 billion people in more than 60 countries voting in elections around the world.
The climate impacts we are currently witnessing across all continents and the need to move economies to a low-carbon basis are central issues facing many people as they head to the polls to run for office. There is no doubt about that.
The choices made by the most populous voters, including the United States and India, also affect the smallest and most vulnerable populations, such as those in Palau, a low-lying island nation whose lives are increasingly at risk from rising sea levels and storms. It will affect people. rapidly increasing.
Because global emissions are still heading in the wrong direction, and the latest data shows that the dominance of fossil fuels remains largely unchanged at almost 82% of total consumption.
This is why we chose “In Search of an Energy Transition” as the theme for this year’s International Energy Week. Among the 100 speakers were IPCC Chair Professor Jim Skeer, UN Special Representative Damilola Ogunbiyi, and industry CEOs Mohamed Al Ramahi of Masdar, Catherine McGregor of Engie, and Russell of Vitol. We’ll be hearing from Mr. Hardy and Greg Jackson of Octopus.
I believe that in our discussion we will find reason for hope. As I attended COP28 last year, I saw firsthand that progress can be made through collective action and political will. Politics and policy are critical because our efforts to transition to a sustainable energy future rely on the signals, certainty, incentives and regulation that only governments can provide.
With a general election likely to be held in the UK this year, our conference will also hear from both major political parties – Conservative Energy Secretary Amanda Soloway and Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State Ed Miliband. . Although agreement remains on the UK’s net zero target, questions remain about the details of the parties’ policy platforms, particularly whether new oil and gas permits will continue in the North Sea.
Decarbonizing economies around the world while ensuring safe and affordable energy supplies must be a top priority for those seeking public office this year. I hope that wherever this election takes place, we will be able to find useful agreement on these important issues.
The exploration of energy transitions depends on it.
International Energy Week will be held in London from 27 to 29 February 2024. Further information and tickets for the conference and luxurious gala dinner can be found at www.ieweek.co.uk.
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